The Phoenix Suns have had an eventful experience during the latest NBA draft as their newly structured front office made strategic moves. First-year general manager Brian Gregory has demonstrated a proactive approach to team rebuilding. On Thursday night, Phoenix made a notable move by trading with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire the first pick of the second round. With this pick, they selected forward Rasheer Fleming from Saint Joseph’s, whose slide from the first round raised eyebrows. Fleming, standing at 6-foot-9, is expected to vie for immediate court time alongside prominent names such as four-time All-Star Devin Booker, and No. 10 pick Khaman Maluach. The guards Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, recently added through a proposed trade for dispatching Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, will form the revamped roster.
The Suns’ draft night didn’t end there; they wielded the No. 29 pick but chose to trade this selection alongside a 2029 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets. In exchange, they acquired center Mark Williams. Williams, a 7-footer, had an impressive average last season with 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, although his career has been marred by injuries. Moreover, Phoenix selected Koby Brea from Kentucky with the No. 41 pick, obtained after a proposed trade with the Warriors. Known for his sharpshooting, Brea made 43.5% of his three-point attempts last season.
While the Suns were actively maneuvering throughout the draft, their Pacific Division rivals stayed relatively quiet. Nevertheless, the Sacramento Kings made a move by trading into the first round to choose Colorado State guard Nique Clifford with the No. 24 pick. This 23-year-old guard will likely make an immediate impact. The Kings also picked Stanford center Maxime Maynaud with the No. 42 selection.
The Los Angeles Clippers secured Yanic Konan Niederhauser with the No. 30 pick, marking the end of the first round. The 7-foot shot-blocker spent last season at Penn State after spending two years at Northern Illinois. Additionally, the Clippers acquired the No. 50 pick from the Knicks and selected Nevada guard Kobe Sanders. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers upgraded to the No. 36 pick in a trade with the Timberwolves to select Arkansas forward Adou Thiero, which involved a swap that sent the No. 45 pick and cash to Minnesota.
Golden State made strategic selections as well, taking Australian forward Alex Toohey with the No. 52 pick after sealing a deal with the Suns. Additionally, they acquired Florida guard Will Richard at the No. 56 pick following another trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.
## Phoenix Suns
**Needs:** After trading Chris Paul in 2023 in exchange for Bradley Beal, the Suns are in need of a reliable point guard, as well as athletic wings proficient in defense and big men capable of providing substantial rim protection.
**Who they drafted:** Maluach is a standout as a top interior defender in this draft, assuring a formidable presence in the paint. Williams, obtained through a trade, promises a bright future if his health holds up. Fleming, with his impressive 7-foot-5 wingspan, is likely to be pivotal in rotation.
**NBA Comparisons:** There’s hope that Maluach could develop into a player akin to Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert, recognized for his defensive prowess and All-Star status.
## Sacramento Kings
**Needs:** The team felt the absence of point guard De’Aaron Fox, who was traded midseason to the Spurs. This void became evident as Devin Carter, the 2024 13th overall pick, spent much time in the G League.
**Who they drafted:** Clifford, more a scorer than a pure playmaker, offers versatility in both offensive and defensive roles that fit the Kings’ needs. Maynaud, a promising big man, presents an intriguing prospect with his unrefined potential.
**NBA Comparisons:** Clifford is reminiscent of Josh Hart of the Knicks, known for his versatile offensive skills and defensive grit.
## Los Angeles Clippers
**Needs:** With Ivica Zubac’s significant minutes last season accentuating the need for a defensive backup center, along with James Harden nearing 36 and possibly leaving, a new point guard is repeatedly highlighted in their strategy.
**Who they drafted:** Niederhauser, the first Penn State player drafted in the first round, stands out with 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and a Big Ten-leading 2.3 blocked shots per game. Known for his elite shot-blocking, he delivers an imposing presence on both ends.
**NBA Comparisons:** His skills are likened to JaVale McGee, recognized for elite shot-blocking capabilities, offering offensive contributions in the paint.
## Golden State Warriors
**Needs:** The Warriors continue to seek a strong rim protector or a defensive guard adept at fending off opposing plays.
**Who they drafted:** Toohey is a promising Australian talent who recently earned NBL acclaim, averaged productive figures, and Richard contribute notably with his scoring prowess, having led the Gators to a national title.
## Los Angeles Lakers
**Needs:** The Lakers focus on acquiring a dependable center, boasting a history of scouting underrated talent through undrafted signings and late-round steals.
**Who they drafted:** The 6-foot-6 Thiero is heralded for his raw yet exceptional athleticism, poised to evolve into a formidable player.